By Matt Simonette

Staff writer

The City of Chicago is still coming up short in funding housing for men and women with HIV/AIDS, according to one Chicago-area advocacy organization.

“There is no new funding for AIDS housing in the new budget,” said John Peller, director of political action for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, of the budget proposed by Mayor Richard M. Daley last week.

“Obviously, with a $5.9 million budget, there should be more room for people with HIV/AIDS,” said Peller.

If housing funding remains at current levels, according to AFC, about 211 people stand to lose shelter in January 2008.

The City had been using funds from a one-time bonus in federal funding for the Housing Assistance Program, which helps persons with HIV/AIDS make housing payments. Persons in the program receive an annual subsidy of $4,500 for their housing. The program has been closed to new applicants since 2005.

The HAP money is now completely spent. AFC has been urging the City to allocate an additional $1.5 million for AIDS housing to expand rental assistance, housing locator and community residential services for HIV/AIDS-affected households.

The organization highlighted the shortfall at a town hall meeting Sept. 11 and at a rally preceding its AIDS Run and Walk Sept. 15.

Now that Mayor Daley has released his budget, Peller said, time is running out.

“There’s really about three more weeks left in the process,” Peller said. “We don’t want this issue to be buried. Everyone is concerned about tax increases and the need for more revenue. But there’s still the need for more assistance to these people who are going to be left homeless.”

AFC has been meeting with its allies on the City Council to discuss the shortfall. Peller said a number of them are very aware that their constituents are concerned about this situation.

“The aldermen really took notice when people turned out over this issue,” Peller said.